Students could be asked to write a story about their ideal school, or about what they would do if they were the head teacher at their school.
Alternatively you could construct a role play in which students engage in a series of planning meetings to create an ideal school. They could take on roles as representatives of different interest groups, e.g. parents, students, staff, head teacher. A fantasy context for this, e.g. a fictional planet, remote island or a futuristic setting will help the students to develop a more imaginative and idealised approach. After the role play you can then help them to link their plans back to the realities of their school life discussing the possibilities and limitations of their ideas.
Follow-up
Consider the pattern of ideas which emerges. Is there any consensus? What practical suggestions emerge? What implications do the students' views have for us? How should we respond?
